Understanding the Göbek Taşı, Kese and Pestemal

Göbek taşı — literally 'belly stone' — is the central heated marble platform of the hammam. It is where guests lie still and warm the body before bathing.

Kese is the traditional woven mitt used for exfoliation. It lifts the surface of the skin and is the visible signature of the hammam's bathing ritual.

Pestemal is the lightweight woven cotton wrap worn throughout the visit. It is the hammam's defining garment — light, breathable, and easy to move in on wet stone.

Three simple words, and much of the vocabulary of the Turkish bath is already yours.

Alaaddin Hamam is a working historic Turkish bath in Avanos, Cappadocia. Reservations are handled directly by the hammam team.